dlclark97

7 minutes ago, dlclark97 said:

Tourists will forget Thailand and head to Japan, Viet Nam and numerous other places that add excitement and pleasures to their lives.  People do not travel to distant places to see/do more than what they can do in their home areas.  They are looking for the bright lights, music and other delights not available near their homes.  They already have enough shopping malls, movie theaters and other things found in every city so why take an expensive trip and jump through the hoops now needed to come here to see more of the same.  Thailand used to provide the break, attractions, night life and more that would make people want to come here.  What's left.  Temples (after seeing about 50 or more they all look alike), glitzy high priced shopping malls and ............?   

Gambling should never be legalized here.  Too many people here believe so much in 'luck, amulets, lucky numbers and whatever else' that they waste what little money they may have betting on their potential big winnings that never come.  No such thing as 'legal' gambling here except of course the government lottery that seems to escape the laws on gambling.  Look at the USA Power Ball and other similar lottery types.  They have had multi million and I believe now even a billion dollar winner.  Just think if instead of having a multi million winner, they could run the game so there could be multiple one million dollar winners for each game enriching the lives of so many more people.    

4 hours ago, BritManToo said:

I've never noticed any of that.

The pretty girls are just as nice as the plain girls.

And don't expect any more either, so I've mainly picked slim and pretty.

 

Currently on my 3rd long term pretty, although not so pretty 5 years later.

Neither are you!

8 hours ago, OneMoreFarang said:

Next thing someone will suggest to make gambling, like playing cards, legal.

Can't do that! Thais are good people! They don't gamble, would never pay for sex, etc. ???? 

And someone should think about all those police officers. Imagine they had no reason to collect some extra money to look the other way... 

Tourists will forget Thailand and head to Japan, Viet Nam and numerous other places that add excitement and pleasures to their lives.  People do not travel to distant places to see/do more than what they can do in their home areas.  They are looking for the bright lights, music and other delights not available near their homes.  They already have enough shopping malls, movie theaters and other things found in every city so why take an expensive trip and jump through the hoops now needed to come here to see more of the same.  Thailand used to provide the break, attractions, night life and more that would make people want to come here.  What's left.  Temples (after seeing about 50 or more they all look alike), glitzy high priced shopping malls and ............?   

4 minutes ago, NVass said:

From talking to various bar owners. This isn't going to kill the nightlife scene. Not all, but many larger places have let the staff go ( and the premises if they are forced to pay rent) and they are sitting on there money to reopen once they are allowed. I am 100% sure it will spring back quickly once it can (Even though it might change somewhat).

The only people this is truly hurting are the little people, mostly staff and small bar owners.

The main problem I see is the image of Thailand portrayed to the rest of the world by crippling the night life industry leaves Thailand as a "me too" destination. There are lot's of beaches and temples and amazing food all over Asia. What differentiated Thailand from the rest was its fantastic Night Life (Not just Go Go Bars) and without this Thailand becomes just another voice in the crowd. They really don't get what made Thailand special and I think they will live to regret it!

 

Amen!

15 hours ago, fredscats said:

Few disadvantages,but big ones

Depends on where in Thailand that you want to live and the depth of your pockets.  Make sure the 'gated community' still has the guard(s) at the gate(s) most likely advertised when the community was built, many don't  And, where would you find one with enough land for your own pool?  Maybe try a residence at a local golf course?  Not cheap but typically have gate guards and adequate land space for a pool and more.  Golf membership and health club may come with the home purchase if so inclined.

4 hours ago, RafPinto said:

You mean "Anton"?

I can think of another word starting with 'A'

5 hours ago, RichardColeman said:

I'm guessing most of us invest about 2,000,000 baht minimum in thailand every 3 years, merely through expenditure. I think that should count for more than it does.  

Hell, I invest over 2.5 mil a year.  

Have not read all the threads but if a foreigner has adequate health insurance that applies here in Thailand, that should be all that is required.  For example, most military retirees have Tricare coverage.  It pays about 75% of costs incurred and the retiree pays the other 25%.  Retirees pay every month to their Medicare Part B to maintain their Tricare coverage.  They also pay an additional amount to provide coverage for their spouse and any children up to age 23 if enrolled in an institution of higher education.  The kicker seems to be that some hospitals do not direct bill Tricare, some do.  It is an easy process if they would just do it.  Tricare provides coverage in most countries around the world, many of which have differing insurance requirements so they will not specify in their annual coverage letter what specific amounts are covered.  Basically, it is unlimited for illness or accident that would far exceed the Thai minimum requirements, it just can not be stated in the letter.  In the event the sponsor should become deceased, the remaining spouse or any of the various military organizations such as the VFW, American Legion and others can assist in filing a claim for services provided.

A recent proposal seen is for persons to self insure is with a deposit of 3 million baht in a Thai bank to be used for medical purposes only.  My question, if the individual passes away, what happens to that deposit?  I would assume any medical costs due would be paid and hope that any remaining amount would be given to his/her heirs.  Could we trust that to happen here?

Seems this 'insurance' requirement came about as a result of hospitals losing money because of thousands not paying or not being able to pay for medical care received.  A far more fair way to provide for those incidents would be to add a 500-1000 thb surcharge to any foreigner entering the country for medical coverage during his/her time here and a 5000 bht payment to every extension of stay processed.  This could be kept in a fund to pay for accidents/injuries for tourists and others while they are either touring here or for those who are determined are unable to pay for treatment.

As it currently is, it is grossly unfair to require the insurance provided by specific Thai companies to only those arriving or having arrived many years ago on an Non O-A visa for retirement.  Supposedly this can be converted for reason of marriage to a Thai where there is no insurance requirement but the process not easily completed..  

40 minutes ago, Will B Good said:

The seriously dangerous ones are where the U turns are combined......neither side can see clearly past the other side that is also queueing.

You beat me to it.  They are the most dangerous and poorly designed U Turns I have seen in any country I have driven in.  The two direction U Turns should be separated by 50-100 meters so each facing driver can see oncoming traffic.  

3 hours ago, tingtong said:

What happened to the headlined 7000 from yesterday?

 

Yes, was thinking the same.  Does not say much for the 15,000 expected later.  Not much of an alcohol consumer myself but I can easily see why people going anywhere for a holiday might want to relax with a drink or two.  I wish the country great success but see remaining COVID issues and restrictions putting a damper on things.

Well, I live in Ban Chang and it's not as bad as some describe.  It is quiet and does have a few nice beaches although some are not cleaned as well as the more touristy places.  It has many nice restaurants, is more or less central to dozens of golf courses, a 20-30 minute drive to Rayong and Pattaya.  There are bars but due to current COVID restrictions they are closed.  KC would be Koh Chang, an island accessed by ferry from Trat.  Certainly at this time it is quiet, nice beaches and many resorts with pools.  I have a booking there for late January when my wife and I will be SCUBA diving there.  Yes, Rayong is more of an industrial area but it also has some nice beaches and restaurants.  Chantaburi could also be an option.  The main attraction for many would be the gem and jewelry businesses.  It does have some nice beaches.  Pattaya is a shadow of its former self.  Yes there are many open air bars  along Beach Road and 2nd road (closed now due to COVID restrictions) and the small sois that join them.  Pattaya is in the process of being redesigned into a more family orientated destination.  It may be your best place for numerous and trendy upscale restaurants as well as the smaller Thai restaurants and street vendors.  The beaches are well kept but during the rainy season run off from higher elevations make the water more brownish then blue.  The choices for you abound and you have been given some good recommendations on this forum.  Remember, right now there are still some COVID restrictions in place although Thailand is in the process of reopening many areas especially those catering to tourists.  Good luck on your plans for a nice holiday here.   

10 hours ago, thaibeachlovers said:

Are you partial to skin diseases? If so go ahead.

 

I've seen what comes out of that sewage plant near Walking Street, and it's not nice.

Due in part to recent monsoon like rains, the water is very dirty.  All the run off from the rains and sewage from many areas above sea level discharges into the sea.   May be cleared somewhat by the time you arrive but now it is mostly brown for a long distance from shore.

On 10/24/2021 at 2:57 PM, ubonjoe said:

When the original order for the insurance came out in 2019 it did not state a reason.

In my opinion they consider those using the OA visa as not staying full time in the country and not having any ties to the country and were more likely to leave the country without paying a hospital bill.

 

If you don't mind putting 800k baht in a Thai bank or can prove 65k baht income you can get a extension of stay based upon retirement without insurance being required.;

You are always great at providing references.  Do you have a reference saying over 800,000 thb in the bank if extending my stay an O-A  visa is possible without the insurance?  This was definitely not my experience. 

Received info from BB Divers Koh Chang yesterday.  Yes there is a checkpoint and your vaccine documents will be checked.  No vaccines must have a PCR test.  Some hotels also checking.    

21 hours ago, Liverpool Lou said:

Wait for the token that your bank has sent to you, then the problem is sorted.  The "45 days" is probably an extreme to protect them from delays out of their control, letter post from anywhere to Thailand does not take 45 days.

For the above responder, A BIG YES, mail from the USA to Thailand can indeed take 45 or more days to arrive.  I occasionally receive mail that states a reply must be made within 10 days of the letters date.  These routinely take more than 45 days before I receive them.  

On 10/13/2021 at 11:22 AM, sungod said:

I seem to remember there is very little difference in price between long term and short term, and if you park in the short term it is far more convenient to just walk across the bridge to the terminal than to use shuttle buses. Apart from the roof with some shelter, the other floors give you fully covered.

 

Last time I parked there (pre covid) it was 250 THB a day

If my memory serves, long term is 150baht per day.  Frequent shuttle buses to and from.  Have left over three weeks some time ago with no parking issues.  But, depending on the amount of luggage you will be toting it may be easier to use the short term for as long as you need.  We have been hauling our clothes and other necessities plus SCUBA gear for myself, wife and daughter.  Far easier in short term.

Having lost his phone with all his personal contacts he should have a new home soon complete with burglar bars.  

If you really needed to ask this question, you need your head examined!  I am from the USA and in frequent contact with my ex-wife and she often does tasks for me that are difficult for me to do from here.  She is reimbursed for any expenses incurred plus something for her troubles,  She would never ask for money.  As you know (I hope) things are VERY different here especially when a woman is married to a foreigner.  For whatever reason, many Thais think all foreigners are very rich and would be an easy touch for a handout, and often a substantial amount.  Even the most distant relatives would believe your wife should help them with any financial needs.  Cosigning for a loan of the amount you mentioned would make her (YOU) responsible for the monthly payments not if, but when he defaults on the loan.  As her husband, you are legally responsible for any debts she incurs.  Yes, he has a job and a business on the side.  How many times have I seen a foreigner 'invest' in a business for his wife only to either have it fail in 3-6 months or to have her lose interest in it.  You have seen numerous NO's here but the one who said 'RUN FORREST RUN' said it best.  Good luck, you're probably going to need it!   

On 10/7/2021 at 6:15 PM, mikebike said:

Really. Thats the only reason. No chance of issues in the supply chain?

It has happened every year at the time there is a price increase coming.  Usually lasts 2-4 days and they are back in stock again.  When the rumor of a price change starts, beging buying by the carton (10 pack) and you should be OK.  Not sure why it is done this way unless the new packs get a new bar code and can not be mixed with older stock.

USA credit cards work very well here as I am sure cards from other countries will as well if you have the ability to get one.  My favorite has no foreign transaction fee and gives 2% cash back on every purchase.  

A friend of mine over 65 was denied at 3 banks for either Visa or Mastercard credit cards because of his age even though he had a substantial sum in one of the banks.  Seems you have had yours for many years and been pretty good with making the payments.  I guess they would want the source and amount of your income.